ES2250722T3 - BOTTLE AND SIMPLE THREADED CLOSURE SYSTEM TO USE. - Google Patents

Abstract

A threaded container closure assembly consisting of: the neck of the container (10) having an opening; the closure (12) for said neck of the container (10), the closure having a base part (14) and a part of the skirt (16); the first screw thread on the neck of the container (10), said first screw thread comprising one or more first segments of the thread (18); the second screw thread on the inner surface of the skirt (16) of the closure, said second screw thread comprising one or more second segments of the thread (20), the first and second screw thread being configured such that facilitate the user to secure, remove and reassure the closure (12) by affirming it in the sealing position on the neck of the container (10) by rotating the closure on the neck of the container; and complementary closure elements (36, 38) located on the neck of the container and the closure that resists unscrewing the seal from the position of the seal on the neck of the container after the closure has been secured or reinsured on the neck of the container until the minimum opening torque is applied, in which the second segments of the thread (20) define a substantially continuous and helical thread passage along which said first segments of the thread (18) can move from a substantially fully disengaged position to a substantial and completely secure position of the closure on the neck of the container by means of a simple and smooth rotation of 360 ° or less; and characterized by the fact that said first segments of the thread (18) extend circumferentially from 5 ° to 45 ° around the neck of the container; said second thread segments (20) extend at least 60 ° around the skirt of the closure and the second segments of the thread (20) are each made of one or more circumferentially spaced protruding portions, each extending said part in no more than about 60 ° around the skirt of the closure (16).

Description

Bottle and single threaded closure system use.

The present invention relates to sets perfected threaded closure of the containers. The invention also provides threaded locking caps and perfected

The containers for beverages produced in large quantities and currently available in stores, use threads located in the necks of the containers and closure of continuous and helical type. The threads comprise a simple part with substantially continuous thread located at the neck of the container with the low thread pitch angle, usually less than 5 °. The low pitch angle is necessary in order to ensure that the closure does not unscrew spontaneously. The low thread pitch angle also provides the necessary leverage to achieve an air tight compressive seal between the closure and the neck of the container when the closure is adjusted to the neck of the container. The low thread pitch of the helical threads also means that the closure normally needs to be turned through more than 360 ° to fully disengage it from the neck of the
container.

A closure set is presented in the Patent GB 2311 285 A.

The disadvantages of these helical threads Low thread pitch include a laborious rotation required for remove and reattach the closure on the neck of the container, the excessive use of the molding material for the formation of long helical threads and an unreliable separation of rings that show attempts to have made strength in them from the skirt of the closure due to the low thread pitch angle located on the threads.

The present applicant has described a closure of pressurized safety, perfected, for beverage containers soft drinks in the application of the International Patent W095 / 05322. This application describes the packaging closure sets that they have substantially continuous threads that define a path of substantially continuous helical thread despite the passage of The spiral may vary. The closure can be moved from the position fully disengaged to fully secured position on the neck of the container by means of 360 ° rotation or less. The threads on the neck or the closure are provided with elements that engage each other in order to block or restrict the rotation of the closure in the direction of unscrewing outside of a intermediate position when the closure is under an axial pressure in the direction that emerges from the neck of the container, the neck and closure constructed and arranged to provide a vent to draw air from the neck of the container at least when the closure is in the intermediate position. This feature safe and tight against pressure prevents the closure from exploding from uncontrolled way after unscrewing the closure of the container neck has begun. This fact allows, in this way, use shorter threads, arranged more inclined or multiple start on the package and the set of closure, thereby producing a much safer set, both for the elderly as for children without disregarding the pressure safety. WO97 / 21602 and WO99 / 19228 describe improved versions of document sets WO95 / 05322.

The closure sets of the containers of the beverages, presented as examples in WO95 / 05322, they have short protruding thread segments over the lid and the longer protruding thread segments over the neck of the container. This provision is conventional, partly because of the cap molding requirements by high injection speed, according to which the covers must be made (preferably) of a single-piece mold mandrel with a minimal distortion

It’s interesting that the different formats of top threads of beverage containers have not yet completely replaced the glass bottles with the closures of crown. This occurs despite the fact that the crown closures they require a bottle opener to open them and they cannot re-secure on the bottle neck tightly on air, making it necessary to consume all the content of such bottle immediately after opening.

The present applicant considers that one of the reasons for the continued use of crown closures is that they are more suitable for the consumption of the contents of the bottle directly from it because relatively smooth surfaces of the neck of the bottle produce a more comfortable effect between Consumer's lips We will refer to this characteristic as to the "user comfort" of the bottleneck. By on the contrary, the necks of the containers with the screw caps they have threads on the necks and these have a rough surface or abrasive to the lips.

It is the objective of the present invention provide improved screw cap closure assemblies for the containers The present invention is especially applicable to beverage containers, including beverage containers Soda pop.

The present invention provides a set of threaded container closure according to claim 1.

The neck of the container is preferably formed of a thermoplastic material, that is of a molded polymer but It can be formed of glass.

The closure is preferably made of injection molded thermoplastic and constitutes an advantage particular of the present invention that closures can easily manufactured by injection molding high speed, as will be described below.

The average inside diameter of the neck of the container it may be typical of soda containers, for example around 1.5 to about 3 cm. In other embodiments, the container neck has the largest diameter to help when drink or pour the drink through the neck of the container, for example, It can have an average inside diameter from about 3 to about 8 cm., preferably from about 4 to about 6 cm.

Preferably, there are at least two of the cited first threaded segments. More preferably, there are at least four of the aforementioned first threaded segments. In the largest formats of the necks of the containers, in cases special, there may be six, eight, ten, twelve or more of the first threaded segments. The amount of the second threaded segments it is normally the same as the amount of the first segments threaded Preferably, this results in the number of Thread principles same as the number of the first segments threaded, or preferably at least two threaded principles, more preferably still, at least four, or even six or eight Thread principles

The first threaded segments that are in the container neck are shorter than the second segments threaded This means that they extend radially around the neck of the container at an angle smaller than the angle through which the second threaded segments are They extend around the skirt of the closure. Preferably, the first threaded segments do not extend completely around the container neck and preferably do not overlap around the container neck Preferably, at least one of the first threaded segments extends circumferentially from around 1 to about 60 degrees around the neck of the container, more preferably from about 2 to about 45 degrees, more preferably from around 5 to around 30 degrees, more preferably even from around 10 to around 20 degrees, and even more preferably all First thread segments extend in this way. Preferably, the maximum length of each of the first Thread segments is from about 2 to about 20 mm, more preferably from about 4 to about 15 mm, more preferably from about 6 to about 12 mm. Preferably, all the first thread segments have substantially the same form and configuration, where the number of The thread principles can be the same as the number of First thread segments.

The term "first threaded segment" usually refers to a protrusion inclined over the neck of the container It usually does not refer to a simple bump or plug. The average degree of inclination of the first surfaces Thread segment is from around 5º to around 25º, more preferably from about 10 ° to about 20 °. The upper and lower surfaces of the first segments of thread can have different degrees of inclination and the degree of inclination along one or the other of said surfaces It can also vary. Preferably, at least one of the said surfaces have at least one tilt area constant that extends at least 5 ° around the neck of the container For example, the first threaded segment may be a short helical threaded segment that has the ends rounded, similar to the thread segments on the covers of closure described in detail in WO95 / 05322 or WO97 / 21602.

The first threaded segments can be substantially triangular, rectangular, round or chamfered rectangular, or trapezoidal in its section transverse along the axis of the neck. Preferably, the First threaded segments are smooth. This means that at less one edge of the segments is formed to be able to present a round or chamfered cross section along the axis longitudinal neck instead of triangular, rectangular section or trapezoidal between the segment side and the top of the segment. Preferably, all the edges of the segment are substantially smooth in this way. Preferably, this brings as a result an increased radius of curvature between the part upper segment and segment side compared to the prior state of the art. For example, the radius of curvature it can be at least 0.5 mm., more preferably, at least 1 mm or 2 mm. Preferably, the cross section of the segments taken along the longitudinal axis of the neck is a substantially continuous curve like a semicircle or curve sinusoidal. This smoothed profile perfects the comfort of the finish of the thread of the neck of the container for the user.

Preferably, the maximum radial height of the first thread segments above the cylindrical base of the container neck finish is larger than 0.1 mm., more preferably greater than 0.2 mm. and more preferably still, since 0.5 to 3 mm., More preferably from 1 to 2 mm. Preferably, the width of the first thread segments (measured along the longitudinal axis of the neck of the container) is from 1 mm to 6 mm., more preferably from 2 mm to 4 mm. The use of such relatively large and high threaded segments helps to make possible the production of a comfortable finish for the user on which an appropriate and secure screw cap can be fixed Safe way against pressure. However, the brevity of the first thread segments and the usual cross section round or smooth of the first threaded segments allows the relatively high finish of the neck of the container is comfortable for the user, in particular that is comfortable in contact with lips of the user who drinks directly from the neck of the container.

Preferably, the second threaded segments on the inner side of the skirt of the closure defines a thread pitch substantially continuous helical along which they move the first thread segments from the position substantially fully disengaged to the substantial position and fully secure of the closure of the neck of the container. This wants say that the first and second threads do not engage so staggered as if they were a bayonet closure (which is normal for short threaded segments) but, rather, in the manner of conventional and continuous helical thread. In other words, the degree of pitch of the thread pitch is normally less than 90 degrees throughout its length. It will be appreciated that the degree of Spiral inclination may not be constant. Preferably The degree of inclination of the pitch of the helical thread is from 5 up to 20 degrees in the usual soda sets, as described in this document previously. The degree of Tilt may differ for wide mouth assemblies, depending on It has been described previously.

The continuous thread pitch converts the assembly in especially easy to close for the elderly and sick or for children. On the contrary, the threads of the type bayonet, such as those described in the Patent US-A-5135124 require a complex and staggered handling to ensure closure over the container neck, with the result that the closure is often improperly fixed on the neck of the container. In addition, it turns out extremely difficult to project a ring whose closure cannot be try to force on its closure that separates safely and easily at the time of opening the bayonet type closure assembly. Finally, continuous thread is easier for people physically weak who try to screw the closure against the pressure from inside the container, unlike the threaded type bayonet.

The third thread segments are not segments Thread type bayonet. The second thread segments are extend around the closure skirt at a distance enough so that the top of a threaded segment is next to the bottom of another threaded segment and that preferably overlap the other threaded segment for a distance angular and limited around the skirt of the closure. This wants say, preferably the relative upper and lower parts of the adjacent second thread segments overlap so circumferential. Preferably, at least one of the seconds Thread segments extend at least 45º around the closing skirt, more preferably at least 60 ° around the closing skirt, more preferably at least 90 °. He interval between threads is defined between the mentioned parts upper and lower thread segments. One of the first Thread segments moves through this interval between the threads while the closure is screwed onto the neck of the container or unscrewed from it.

Preferably, there are four, six or eight of the second thread segments. Preferably, the first and second thread segments define the substantially continuous and sharply inclined four-way thread runs, six beginnings or eight beginnings.

Preferably, the closure can be moved from a fully released position to fully position hooked on the neck of the container (or vice versa) by means of a simple and smooth rotation of about 360 degrees or less, more preferably, of about 180 degrees or less and even more preferably of around 90 degrees or less.

Preferably, the maximum radial height of the second thread segments above the cylindrical surface of the closing skirt is greater than about 0.1 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.2 mm and even more preferably from about 0.5 to about 3 mm, more preferably even from about 1 to about 2 mm. Preferably, the width of the second thread segments (measured along the longitudinal axis of the closing skirt is from about 1 mm to about 6 mm, even more preferably from about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

The second thread segments are made, each one of one or more protruding parts spaced so radial, each of the aforementioned parts extending so radial at no more than 60º around the closing skirt, preferably no more than about 45 ° around the skirt of closure, more preferably from about 2 ° to about 35º around the closing skirt. The outstanding parts radially spaced, they are preferably spaced from radial way by means of free spaces that extend so radial from 0 to about 10 °, preferably from around 0.5º to around 2º. Preferably, the width of the free spaces is from about 0.1 mm to around 5 mm, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to around 2 mm In other words, the second thread is a thread preferably broken or interrupted having a plurality of free spaces in each thread segment, but the spaces being free radially narrow enough not to interfere with the operation of the second thread segments. This it means that the second thread segments still define a substantially continuous helical thread passage between them. This requires that the free spaces in the second segments of thread (as well as the free spaces between the second segments of thread) are narrower radially than the first segments of thread.

Preferably, every second threaded segment it is made of at least two parts, preferably at least of three or four parts, and this implies that there is one or preferably two or three clearances in the threaded segment. The presence of free spaces in the second segments of thread can improve the air outlet through the second thread when pressurized containers are opened. It's even more important that the closing lids can explode in a mold mandrel during high speed manufacturing because broken threads offer less resistance to the radial expansion of the skirt closing.

Preferably, at least one of the seconds Thread segments also have a smooth cross section. The second cross section is preferably complementary to the cross section described above in relation to first threaded segments. It will be possible to appreciate that this fact consequently provides a better fit between the first and the second thread segment, for example, if these have the shapes corresponding parallel and transverse parallel to the axis of the rotation. In addition, the conical cut and smooth threads in the closure facilitate removal of the mandrel closure from the mold, helping in this way the manufacture of closures by means of injection molding without the need for mold parts multiple parts

The present invention is applicable to a large variety of packages in which you want to provide comfort for the user, including packaging for soft drinks and those that are not soda. The present invention is applicable to closure sets of molded containers of materials thermoplastics and also to the packaging closure sets of glass or metal and combinations thereof (for example, the glass container neck with metal or material closure thermoplastic).

Preferably, the package closure assembly according to the present invention further comprises a means of complementary closure located on the neck of the container and the closure which does not allow it to be unscrewed from the position in which it is fully closed in the neck of the container after the closure has been securely adjusted on the neck of the container until that the minimum and predetermined opening torque be applied. These elements facilitate the placement of threads with greater tilt and free placement (parallel) of the threads for be able to use them without the risk of unscrewing the container spontaneously. In return, the use of the more inclined threads makes possible the use of the widest and highest segments within the size and height under the normal limitation of the finish of the neck of the container.

Preferably, the neck closure means of the package comprises an outstanding or recess for engagement with the complementary overhang or recess on the skirt of the closure. More preferably, the protrusion or recess in the neck of the container is smoothed as defined in this document with anteriority.

More preferably, the closure means comprises a longitudinal closure rod on the closure of the container and a complementary closing ramp on the skirt part of the closure in which the rod is located in the adjacent position with respect to the retaining edge of the closing ramp when the closure is fully adjusted on the neck of the container. In the realizations Preferred alternatives, a closing recess as a slot longitudinal may be provided in one or more of the first or second thread segments and a longitudinal locking rod is provided on the other side of the neck of the container or on the part of the closure skirt in which the closing rod is received in the recess in the segments in the position of total engagement and sealing the closure of the neck of the container. The closing means of these types are described in detail in the document WO91 / 18799 and WO95 / 05322.

Complementary closure means provide A number of important advantages. First, avoid recoil accidental closure from the position of full hook and seal of the neck of the container due to the pressure from inside the container. This also allows the use of the most inclined threads on the container neck and closure. In addition, the closing means they provide a positive "click" when the position of the total hook and seal of the neck of the container, thus providing the user with a positive indication of this position. This fact helps to ensure that the correct degree of compression is applied exactly between the container and the closure to achieve effective and air tight sealing.

Preferably, the closure assembly of the packages according to the present invention is a set for soft drinks in which the package also includes the elements that hook each other over the neck of the container to block or limit the rotation of the closure in the direction of unscrewing by out of the intermediate position when the closure is under the axial pressure in the direction that emerges from the neck of the container. This fact is the so-called security feature whose function is to prevent unscrewing of the uncontrolled closure or violent effect when removed from the neck of the low container Pressure. Preferably, the preferred embodiments of this pressure safety feature are like the ones that are described in documents W095 / 05322, WO97 / 21602 and WO99 / 19228.

Preferably, the first and second Thread steps are constructed and arranged to allow axial displacement of the closure in relation to the neck so less when the closure is in its intermediate position and preferably the coupling elements are adapted to engage with each other when the closure is displaced from axial way in the direction that emerges from the neck of the container, for example, by axial pressure from inside the container pressurized More preferably, the elements mutually hooks are constructed and arranged so that they do not get caught with each other, when the closure is displaced from axial way in a direction towards the neck of the container in the intermediate position, for example when the closure is being screwed onto the neck of the container.

Preferably, the elements mutually latches comprise a passage or recess formed on the surface lower than one of the segments of the thread pitch to provide the first contiguous surface towards which the second contiguous surface in one of the first segments of the steps of thread approaches to block or limit the rotation of the closure in the direction of unscrewing in said intermediate position when the closure is under axial pressure in the direction that emerges from the neck of the container.

More preferably, the second threaded segment it comprises the first threaded part that has the first section longitudinal transverse and the second threaded part having the second cross section narrower than the first section transverse while the first threaded segment is close to The second threaded part. The first, relatively wide section transverse is preferably adjacent to the area of the seconds threaded segments that circumferentially overlap what consequently brings a relatively narrow clearance in this area.

The sets in accordance with this invention further preferably comprise additional means for the formation of a pressure-tight seal between the neck of the container and closure. In some embodiments the sealing means they comprise a compressible coating within the part of the closure base to approximate the lip of the neck of the container. Preferably, the seal coating is formed of a compressible elastomer. The circumferential sealing rod can be provided on the lip of the neck of the container or within the closure base below the seal lining, in order to optimize elastomer compression and thus achieve the pressure tight seal. However, preferably the lip The neck of the container is smooth and round in order to optimize the comfort offered to the user.

In other embodiments, the sealing means they can comprise a cylindrical sealing plug that protrudes from concentric shape and within the skirt of the closure and that forms a pressure-tight seal with the inside of the neck of the container near the opening.

Preferably, the first and second threads on the neck of the container and the closure are grade threads of variable inclination, preferably as described in the WO97 / 21602. Preferably, the degree of inclination of a thread path that is being unscrewed, defined by the first and second thread segments, is relatively lower in the first area and relatively higher in the second area, moved from the first area in the direction of unscrewing. The degree of inclination of the thread path in the first area It is preferred and substantially constant. The first area normally includes the position in which the closure is sealed on the neck of the container. Preferably, the first area is extends about 20º - 40º around the neck circumference of the container or the skirt of the closure. Preferably, the degree of lower thread surface inclination in the first area It is within the range from 1º to 12º, more preferably from 2nd to 8th.

Preferably, the second area is adjacent to the first area of the thread path. Preferably, the degree of inclination of the helical thread path in the second area it is substantially constant and the second area extends preferably from 15º to 35º around the circumference of the neck of the container or the skirt of the closure. Preferably, the degree of inclination of the thread path in the second area It is within the range from 15º to 35º.

The use of variable grade thread tilt makes it easier to combine quick-turn threads than it has a medium degree of inclination which is how it is most comfortable for the elderly and for children offering security Against the pressure The problem that could arise with the threads of Quick turn is that they have a strong degree of inclination which brings consequently a tendency to move back from the position totally safe on the neck of the container when it is pressurized This problem can be solved using the threads of the bayonet type but the use of the threads of the bayonet type provides a number of different problems, as already described above. On the contrary, the threads of the degree of Variable inclination solves the problem of recoil closure under pressure, while retaining all the advantages of threads Continuous fast turn.

Preferably, the screw thread travel when unscrewed it comprises a third area adjacent to the second area where the third area has a degree of inclination relatively low Preferably, the third area has a degree of relatively constant inclination, preferably between 1 and 12th, more preferably from 2 to 8th. The third area includes preferably the closed position on the neck of the container when the closure is locked in the intermediate position that It allows gas to escape. The relatively low degree of inclination of the third area reduces the tendency of the closure to pass over the blocking means under the conditions of the high gas outlet pressures.

Preferably, the closure assembly includes a recess in the inner surface of the skirt of the closure, the mentioned recess located between two of the plurality of seconds thread segments, which overlap circumferentially, with the in order to increase the cross-sectional area provided for the air outlet between the second thread segments.

It has been observed that the free space existing between the overlapping parts of the adjacent seconds Thread segments have a cross section that is too Small for the gas outlet in all circumstances. He recess overcomes this difficulty by increasing the cross section of the free space between threads to increase the output speed of gas through the clearance between threads.

The increased transverse area of the path of the gas outlet in areas that overlap circumferentially of the second threads allows faster pressure output from inside the container and therefore reduces the period of time during which the closure is locked in the intermediate position while the gas goes out, without any loss of security of pressure.

Preferably, the recess comprises a slot elongated that extends around the closing skirt between the second thread segments in said overlapping areas. Preferably, the elongate groove extends substantially from parallel to the helical thread path. Preferably the recess comprises an elongated groove within the skirt of the closing. Preferably, the cross-sectional area Longitudinal recess occupies from 5% to 50% of the area mean longitudinal cross section of the parts of the second thread segment adjacent to the recess.

In the second aspect, the present invention provides a closure cap for the closure assembly of the container, said cover comprising a base part and a part of the skirt having the screw thread defined by a plurality of screw thread segments protruding inward from the skirt and extend radially at least 90º around the skirt, where the thread segments are made, each, of a plurality of spaced apart parts radially, extending radially, each of the cited parts, no more than about 60º around the skirt of closing.

Preferred features of the cover of closure according to this aspect of the present invention are related, as described in this document with above, with the first aspect of the present invention. Preferably, the closure lid is formed of materials thermoplastics by injection molding.

Specific embodiments of the sets of Container closure according to the present invention will be described below, by way of example, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a view of a set of closure of a container according to the present invention, with the closure in the fully engaged position on the neck of the container, in which said neck is shown in elevation and the closure is shown with the skirt partially trimmed to be able to present the threads on the neck of the container;

Figure 2 shows an elevation view of the neck of the closure assembly package of Figure 1 after closure removal;

Figure 3 shows a cross section to through the closure only of the assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a flat projection of the Screw threads of the closing skirt of the assembly of Figure 1 with the screw threads of the container neck shown as devised in the sequence of positions as occupied during loading of closing;

Figure 5 shows a projection similar to the Figure 4 but with the screw threads of the container neck shown as intended in the sequence of occupied positions during removal of the closure.

In relation to Figures 1 and 2, this embodiment is a closure set of a container especially adapted for the packaging of soft drinks. The characteristics main of this set resemble those of the set described and claimed in our International Patent Applications W095 / 07322, WO97 / 21602 and WO99 / 19228. However, it is important take note that the threads on the closure and the neck of the container are reversed in the present invention in relation to the assemblies of closure described in these applications. This means that the Descriptions of previous patents describe in a manner detailed sets that have short thread segments in the closing skirt and the longer thread segments on the container neck while the present invention provides only the short thread segments on the neck of the container and the longer thread segments on the skirt of the closure.

The set includes a neck of the container 10 of a container for soft drinks and a closure 12. Both the neck of the Container and closure are formed of plastic material. The container is preferably formed by injection molding and the pressure molded polyethylene terephthalate liquid from way that is conventionally known for the packaging of soft drinks The closure is preferably formed by the injection molded polypropylene.

On the neck of the container 10 has been provided the first four-start screw thread made of four first thread segments 18, as shown in Figure 2 e initiated in the developments of Figures 3 to 5. The first thread segments 18 are short thread segments that extend at around 33º around the neck of the container taking the lower surface 60 with the degree of inclination relatively low, about 6º and the top surface 62 with the degree of intermediate inclination of around 13.5º. The first Thread segments have a substantially cross section trapezoidal along the axis of the neck of the bottle. The neck The container has a rounded lip to increase the comfort of the neck for the user of the container.

With reference to Figures 1 and 3, closure 12 it comprises a base part 14 and a part of the skirt 16. The skirt closure 12 is provided with the second screw thread formed of four second thread segments 20, each of which it is made of four radially spaced apart parts through the free spaces and having, each one, a surface of lower thread 22 and a top thread surface 24. (The term "from above" in this context means closer to the base of the closure, that is further from the open end of the closing). The upper and lower surfaces of the second threads 22, 24 provide thread segments with side edges substantially trapezoidal that are complementary to the form of the first thread segments. A free space 26 of thread approximately helical and substantially continuous is defined between the areas that overlap the aforementioned interior surfaces and upper 24, 22 over adjacent second thread segments twenty.

It is possible to see that the upper and lower parts of the adjacent second thread segments 20 overlap circumferential way over a part of its length.

An important feature of this set is the profiling of the top surface 24 of the second segments thread 20 which is described in more detail in our International Patent Application WO97 / 21602. The surfaces of top thread 24 in the first area, top 28 has a substantially constant degree of inclination of only around 5th. The upper area 28 is adjacent to the area intermediate 30 having a degree of inclination substantially constant, much higher, around 25º. The degree of inclination middle of the pitch of the helical thread defined by the seconds Thread segments 20, is 13.5º.

The second thread segments 20 also include a pressure safety feature similar to the which is described and claimed in our Patent Application International W095 / 05322. In short, the lowest part of the second thread segment 20 defines a step to approach one end of the first segments of the thread 18 and block the unscrewing of the closure 12 from the neck of the bottle 10 when the aforementioned first segments of the thread 18 are in a very close position from the top surface 24, that is, when a force is exerted net over the closure in the axial direction out of the neck of the container The third area 34 of the top surfaces 24 of the second segments of the thread located adjacently in relation to step 32 also has a low degree of inclination of around 6th.

The whole package and its closure is also provided with complementary closure elements on the neck of the container and the closure to block the unscrewing of the closure from the fully engaged position in the neck of the container until a minimum torque is applied to unscrew it. These closure elements comprise four closing rods 36 equally and radially spaced in the neck of the container and four retention ramps 38 equally and radially spaced in the inner side of the closure skirt 16. Ramps 38 comprise a outer face 40 that inclines radially and an edge of retention 44 projecting radially and against which the rod 36 that is in the closure is supported when the closure It is fully hooked to the neck of the container. The means of Complementary closures may be as described in Our International Patent Application W091 / 18799. But nevertheless, the closing rod is located on the neck of the container and not in the closure in this embodiment which also helps to perfect the user comfort of the container neck finish, especially when you have the rod properly straightened.

The package and closure assembly also includes means for forming a gas tight seal between the closure and the neck of the container. This medium can comprise a coating gas-tight elastomeric sealant 46 and which is compressed against The lip of the neck of the container. The optimal seal is achieved preferably when the elastomeric sealant coating is compressed up to 30% to 70% of its original thickness. In Other embodiments, the seal can be achieved without the need of the coating, for example by means of compression of sealing rods conveniently configured circumferential or fins on the closure cover located against the container neck

The second segments of the thread 20 end in its lower end in a projection part that defines the shoulder longitudinal 72 that forms the first stop against which the second end 74 of the first segments of the thread 18 can be supported and in this way block the excessive adjustment of the closure on the container neck

The package closure assembly comprises also a security feature that evidences the attempt to To have been forced. This feature consists of a ring that evidence the mentioned attempt to have been forced 50 that is initially formed integrally with skirt 16 of the closure of the container 12 and is connected to it by means of fragile bridges 52. The ring evidencing the mentioned attempt to have been forced 50 comprises a plurality of retention tabs 54 radially inwardly directed, flexible and formed integral way. The circumferential retention lip 56 is found on the neck of the container 10. The bumps of ratchet (which do not exist in this embodiment) may also be provided on the neck of the container below the lip of circumferential retention 56 and radially spaced around of the neck of the container to block the rotation of the ring that evidence the attempt to have been forced 50 on the neck of the container 10 in the direction of unscrewing. However, it can be it is preferable to smooth or omit the ratchet protrusions with the in order to improve the comfort of the finish of the neck of the container for the user. The structure and operation of the property of the ring that evidences the attempt to have been forced are described and claimed in our Patent Application International W094 / 11267.

In practice, the closure 12 is fixed to the neck of container 10 by means of screwing in a conventional manner. He closure 12 can be removed from a fully disengaged position to the fully engaged position on the neck of the container 10 by means of a turn of around 90º. When the closure is already is screwed, there is normally a net axial force applied by the user on the closure and towards the neck of the container and by consequently, the first thread segments 18 rest against the top surfaces 22 of the protruding parts of the second thread segments 20 on the closure skirt, as is shown in Figure 4. In this way you can see that the first Thread segments follow the substantially continuous path to Spiral length of varying degree of inclination. The first and the second thread move freely, which means no there exists substantially frictional torsional force between the thread segments until it approaches the position of the closure total. These characteristics of the 90º closing turn, the path of the substantially continuous thread and the threads that move freely, they make it extremely easy adjust the closure on the neck of the container, especially for older people, with arthritis or children.

When the closure approaches the position of Total hook on the neck of the container 10, several things happen. First, the ring that evidences the attempt to have been forced 50 begins to move on the retention lip 56 in the neck of the container. The retaining tabs 54 found in the ring that evidence the attempt to have been forced 50 bends over radial way out to allow the evidence ring the attempt to have been forced pass over the retention lip 56 without excessive radial pressure on the fragile bridges 52.

Second, the closing rod 36 that found in the neck of the container move towards the surface 40 of the outer ramp of the retention ramps 38 located in the closure skirt 16. The smooth inclination of the surfaces of the ramps 40, together with the elasticity of the closure skirt 16, mean that a relatively light force of torsion to cause the closing rods 36 to move towards up the surfaces of the ramps 40.

Third, the initial proximity between the sealant coating 46 at the base of the container closure and the sealing lip 48 on the neck of the container produce a force axial net over the closure in the outward direction of the neck of the container This pushes the segments of the thread 18 out of the proximity to the lowest surfaces 22 of the parts protruding from the second segments of the thread 20 and within the proximity to the top surfaces 24 of the parts protruding from the second segments of the thread 20. More specifically, this fact brings the first segments of the thread 18 in the vicinity of the upper areas 28 of the parts protruding from the top surfaces of the thread 24. The Continuous rotation of the closure in the threading direction causes that the first segments of the thread 19 move along the upper areas 28 until the final position of Total hitch shown in Figure 4. The low degree of inclination of surfaces 28 means that this subsequent rotation applies strong leverage (cam action) to compress the sealant coating 46 against sealing rod 48 in order to get an effective gas tight seal.

When a total position has been reached hook of the closure 12 on the neck of the container 10, the rods of the closure 36 press into the upper part of the respective uneven surfaces 40 and are located in the vicinity of the surfaces that retain the slope of the ramps of the ratchet 38. In the same position, the second ends 74 of the first thread segments 18 can approximate the shoulders of stop 72 at the top of the second segments of the thread, thereby blocking the subsequent fastening of the closure that could damage the threads and / or excessively compress the sealant coating.

When the closure 12 is in the position fully hooked on the neck of the container 10, the surfaces upper 60 of the first segments 16 are leaning against the upper areas 28 of the top surfaces of the thread 24 of the protruding parts of the second segment of the thread 20, according to is shown in Figure 3. The top surface of the first thread segments have a low degree of inclination to level with the upper areas 28 in order to maximize the contact area between the protruding parts in areas 28 and therefore distribute the axial force exerted by the closure as uniformly as possible around the neck of the container. Because of the low degree of inclination in areas 28, relatively little axial force emerging from the neck of the container due to the pressure inside the vessel, it becomes the rotating force unscrewed by the proximity between the surfaces in this position. This greatly reduces the tendency of the closure to unscrew spontaneously under pressure. Unscrewed spontaneous can also be prevented by the proximity between closure rods 36 and retaining edge 44 on the ramps of closure 38. An important advantage of the whole consists in the fact that the tendency to unscrew spontaneously is reduced due to the low inclination of the thread in the most areas low 28 and this also means that the minimum can be reduced opening force of the closing elements 36, 38 without the risk of the spontaneous burst of closure. This causes the closure to be easier to remove by older people, with arthritis or for children, all without reducing the safety of pressure of closing.

In practice, the closure is removed from the neck of the container by means of a simple unscrewing. The path of unscrewed the thread followed by the short segments of the Thread over the neck of the container is presented in Figure 5. It requires a minimum initial torque to overcome the resistance of the closure elements 36, 38. After it has been exceeded this resistance essentially does not need the user apply more torque to unscrew the closure. Internal pressure inside the container exerts an axial force on the closure in the address that emerges from the mouth of the container and as a result of which the first segments of the thread 18 move along the upper surfaces 28 of the protruding parts of the second segments 20 when the closure is unscrewed. The first Thread segments initially move along the areas from above 28 and later along the intermediate areas 30 more inclined from the top surface of the second segments of thread 20. The first segments of thread 18 enter then in the vicinity of the lowest protruding part of the second segments of the thread 20, as shown in Figure 5. In this position, unscrewing of the closing since it is locked while the exit of the gas along the paths of the thread 26. It is also necessary to take into account that, in this position when the gas is coming out, the first segments of the thread 18 rest first against the area 34 of the upper surface of the second segments of the thread 20. The low degree of inclination of this area 34 brings as result a relatively low axial force exerted on the closing becoming the twisting twist of unscrewing, reducing, therefore, the closing trend of exceeding the pressure and burst safety feature accidental.

After the gas has left the inside of the neck of the container in such a way that there is no more axial force up, the closure can fall to approximate the segments of the thread 18 towards the lowest surfaces 22 of the seconds thread segments 20. In this position, unscrewing can continue to unhook the closure completely from the neck of the container as shown in Figure 5.

The embodiment described above has been presented only in an exemplary way. Many other embodiments of the present invention that are within the scope of accompanying claims will become apparent to the person understood in this technique. In particular, the present invention does not It is limited to soda or beverage containers molded thermoplastic materials.

Claims (17)

1. A set of threaded container closure compound: the neck of the container (10) that has a opening; the closure (12) for said container neck (10), the closure having a base part (14) and a part of the skirt (16); the first screw thread on the neck of the container (10), said first screw thread comprising one or more first thread segments (18); the second screw thread on the surface inside the skirt (16) of the closure, said second one comprising screw thread one or more second thread segments (20), the first and second screw threads of such that it facilitates the user to insure, withdraw and reinsure the closure (12) affirming it in the sealing position on the neck of the container (10) by means of the rotation of the closure on the neck of the container; Y complementary closure elements (36, 38) located on the neck of the container and the closure that resists the unscrewing the seal from the seal position on the neck of the container after the closure has been secured or reinsured on the neck of the container until the minimum opening torque, wherein the second segments of the thread (20) define a substantially continuous and helical thread passage along which said first segments of the thread (18) can move from a substantially completely disengaged position to a substantial position and totally secure of the closure on the neck of the container by means of a simple and smooth rotation of 360º or less; and characterized by the fact that the first mentioned segments of the thread (18) they extend circumferentially from 5º to 45º around from the neck of the container; the aforementioned second thread segments (20) they extend at least 60º around the skirt of the closure and the second segments of the thread (20) are each made of one or more protruding parts spaced so circumferential, extending each cited part in no more than around 60º around the skirt of the closure (16). 2. A container closure set according to claim 1 wherein there are at least two of the cited first segments of the thread (18). 3. A container closure set according to claim 2 wherein there are four or more of said first segments of the thread (18). 4. A container closure set according to any of the preceding claims wherein first segments of the thread (18) extend so circumferential from 10º to 45º around the neck of the container (10) 5. A container closure set according to any of the preceding claims wherein minus one of the first segments of the thread (18) has a upper surface (62) or lower surface (60) with the degree of average inclination from 5º to 25º. 6. A container closure set according to any of the preceding claims wherein minus one of the first segments of the thread (18) has a top surface (62) or bottom surface (60) with an area of degree of constant inclination that extends by at least 5º around the neck of the container (10). 7. A container closure set according to any of the preceding claims wherein the parts outstanding circumferentially spaced are separated through free spaces that extend so circumferential up to 20º. 8. A container closure set according to any of the preceding claims further comprising mutually hookable elements (32) on the neck of the container (10) and closure (12) to block or restrict rotation of the closing in the direction of unscrewing outside the position intermediate when the closure is under axial pressure in the address emerging from the neck of the container. 9. A container closure set according to any of the preceding claims wherein the degree tilt means of said helical thread path is from 5 to 20º. 10. A package closure set according with any of the preceding claims wherein second thread segments (20) define at least one recess to receive the first segments of the thread, the said one being substantially helical recess and extending over 45º around the skirt of the closure. 11. A package closure set according with any of the preceding claims in which there are four or more of the second segments of the thread (20). 12. A package closure set according with any of the preceding claims wherein minus one of the second segments of the thread (20) has a smoothed cross section. 13. A package closure set according with any of the preceding claims wherein first segments of the thread (18) have a cross section to along the longitudinal cross section of the assembly that It is rounded, beveled, trapezoidal or triangular. 14. A package closure set according with any of the preceding claims wherein the closure (12) can be moved from a fully released position to the fully engaged position on the neck of the container (10) by means of a simple rotation of 180º or less. 15. A package closure set according with claim 14 wherein the closure (12) can be moved from a fully released position to a fully position hooked on the neck of the container (10) by means of a simple and smooth turn of 90º or less. 16. A package closure set according with any of the preceding claims wherein the closure element of the container neck (10) comprises a projection or recess for hitching with projection complementary located on the skirt of the closure (16). 17. A package closure set according with any of the preceding claims wherein the container neck (10) is formed of a material selected from the group of thermoplastic materials, glass, metal and their combinations